Going to the beach without sunscreen may have seemed like a good idea when you were younger, simply a way to get a nice tan. But now, as wrinkles and sunspots start to appear, you probably wish you would have lathered up and prevented damage to your skin. Although you can’t turn back time to change your past decisions, laser treatments can erase years of sun damage and other skin imperfections.
At Shantique Med Spa, located in Torrance, California, we provide laser resurfacing treatments to help patients shed years off their appearance and get dewy, flawless skin. Most patients achieve picture-perfect skin in just a few treatments, but you must practice good skincare habits to maintain your results following your procedure. Here are five tips for protecting your skin after your laser treatment.
Laser treatments create tiny, controlled trauma to your skin to help encourage collagen regrowth. To aid in the process, we suggest applying petroleum jelly to your skin immediately following your procedure. This helps shield your skin from germs and keeps you feeling comfortable.
While you are healing, it is incredibly important to keep your skin tissues moisturized so the epidermis can grow. We suggest applying a gentle, unscented moisturizer to help soothe and rejuvenate your skin. This prevents scabbing and allows you to heal in the shortest amount of time.
Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater is one of the best ways to protect your skin, whether you’ve had laser treatments or not. Following your laser treatment, it’s best to avoid sun exposure for 7-14 days and to wear sunscreen — even if you plan to stay indoors.
Though you may associate sunscreen with extended periods outside, it’s just as important to protect yourself from the sun while inside. That’s because windows and clothing don’t filter all of the sun’s powerful rays. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours and after any contact with water or sweat.
Wearing sunscreen can block harmful rays from changing your skin pigmentation and affecting your treatment’s results. Make a point to stay in the shade or wear a hat if you must go outside. Your skin will thank you!
Your skin will be red after your laser treatment so it might be tempting to cover it up with foundation. However, the chemicals in your makeup can interfere with the healing process and may cause you more discomfort. Wait until at least two days after your treatment to apply makeup and use mineral-based products, which are gentler on your skin and may even have nourishing effects.
Exercising may be part of your daily routine, but it’s important to change your routine or skip the gym altogether for at least a week following your laser procedure. Vigorous activity can flush your skin and create discomfort. When you exercise, you are likely to sweat which can also irritate your skin. If you want to get some movement in at the gym, opt for a walk or stretching.
Smoking is a common underlying cause of skin damage, and while you’re healing from laser resurfacing, it can increase your risk of complications and unpleasant side effects. The harmful substances in cigarette smoke may derail the healing process and further irritate your skin. If you’re a smoker, wait for at least two weeks to smoke again.
To learn more about laser resurfacing treatments, call 310-530-7244, or book online.
